The Rabbits
John Marsden and Shaun Tan
paperback edition
Hachette Livre: Lothian Children's Books
September 2008 $16.99
32p pb
ISBN: 978-0734410832
fp 2000
hardback edition
Hachette Livre: A Lothian Children's Book
April 2008 $28.99
32p hc
ISBN: 978-0734410788
fp 1998
The Rabbits is a compelling and moving piece of writing from John Marsden. It tells the tale of the colonisation and ruin of native Australia. The European settlers are depicted as rabbits whilst the Indigenous Australians are portrayed as other native Australian animals. Perhaps rabbits have been chosen to represent the colonisers because of their destructive qualities and their fast breeding.
The illustrations in the book are vivid, clear and detailed. Alive with both animals and colour, the pictures as well as the words tell the heart-breaking story of how the new settlers gradually killed the native animals, aboriginal people and beautiful scenery. Almost abstract and definitely surreal Marsden and Tan present an ideal picture book for both younger and older readers. Even if one were unable to read, the pictures show the whole story just as clear as words from beginning to end; the pictures give true meaning to the words.
I loved this book and the illustrations and if used as a history book it is very informative. This is another wonderful piece of literature from John Marsden with great illustrations from Shaun Tan. Worthwhile reading; all up a poignant story with equally moving pictures.
Liz, Year 8, Canberra, Australia
The Rabbits was voted the Children's Book Council of Australia, Picture Book of the Year. The Sunday Telegraph also, declared that The Rabbits was ' The most mesmerising picture book of the decade.' After seeing the pictures in it, I can understand why. Each of the pictures, painted by artist Shaun Tan, are strikingly original, very colourful and eye catching. The story tells us that the rabbits came many grandparents ago. They built houses, made roads, had children. They cut down trees and there grew a whole continent of rabbits.
John Marsden's books for young people have broken all sales records and while this book is suitable for a younger aged reader, I enjoyed reading it. I have read John Marsden's young adult books, and it is refreshing to see that he is going to make younger people see how talented he is and grow up with his books.